That night the earth split open near the temple.
A roar echoed across the valley.
Villagers in Eldergrove woke in terror as the forest trembled violently.
Something enormous crawled beneath the ground, moving slowly toward the village.
Elias felt the ring burn his finger.
The voice returned again.
"You opened the gate."
"I didn't mean to!" Elias shouted.
"But intention does not matter."
The earth cracked again.
"The curse has begun."